The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Selected Visual Functions among Youths of Imo State University, Nigeria
Keywords:
effect, vitamin A, supplementation, visual functions, and young people.Abstract
This experimental investigation examined the impact of Vitamin A supplementation on specific visual functions—visual acuity, phoria, and amplitude of accommodation—among youths at Imo State University, Owerri. A total of 30 male and female students aged 16–30 years were selected by a convenience sampling method after passing a two-stage ocular screening to eliminate pathological diseases. We examined visual acuity at both near and far distances, phoria at both near and far distances, and accommodation amplitude at near distances exclusively. All measures were redone after eight days of taking 1000 µg of Vitamin A by mouth every day. The data were analysed with Decision Analyst STATSTM 2.0 software and Z-test statistics at a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). The results showed that taking Vitamin A made a statistically significant difference in visual acuity, phoria, and accommodation amplitude. Additionally, differences in reaction were noted according to age, gender, and body weight, suggesting that these variables may affect the efficacy of Vitamin A on visual processes. The results show that taking Vitamin A for a short time has a favourable effect on some visual skills in young people. This study highlights the significance of including demographic and physiological parameters in the formulation of Vitamin A-based therapies and endorses the prospective role of Vitamin A supplementation in enhancing visual health among youth groups. Public health initiatives that include nutritional education and specific supplementation may enhance visual health in adolescents.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nsonwu Magnus, Chukwukere Judith Chinenye, Ekenze Chigozie John, Chinedu-Eleonu PO (Author)
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